System for selecting eyeglasses

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment of the present invention a system is provided for allowing a consumer to easily match a suitable pair of primary eyeglasses with a suitable pair of auxiliary eyeglasses. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the suitable pair of primary eyeglasses may be matched with the suitable pair of auxiliary eyeglasses without damaging or opening the package which contains the pair of auxiliary eyeglasses. In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the system may comprise a package and/or a displayer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of United States ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/561,906, filed Apr. 14, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention a system is provided forallowing a consumer to easily match a suitable pair of primaryeyeglasses with a suitable pair of auxiliary eyeglasses.

In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the suitable pair of primary eyeglasses may be matchedwith the suitable pair of auxiliary eyeglasses without damaging oropening the package which contains the pair of auxiliary eyeglasses.

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the system may comprise a package and/or a displayer.

For the purposes of describing and claiming the present invention, theterm “displayer” is intended to refer to a structure for holdingpackaged and/or unpackaged eyeglasses (e.g., a display case, a displayrack and the like).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Auxiliary eyeglasses (e.g., having a tint and/or prescription) are knownfor attachment to a primary pair of eyeglasses or used together with aconventional eyeglasses.

Such auxiliary eyeglasses typically include a frame which is attached topart or all of the primary eyeglasses or having the devices of aconventional eyeglasses (e.g., including a frame and two temple legs)but can be used together with a conventional eyeglasses.

Further, such auxiliary eyeglasses may be adjustable to fit a range ofprimary eyeglasses or non-adjustable to fit a specific size of primaryeyeglasses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a package for receivingtherein a pair of auxiliary eyeglasses according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an assembled package similar to thatof FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows detail of a front portion of the package of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows an example configuration of the inside of a cavity (thisFig. comprises a cross-sectional view of a package taken along line A-Aof FIG. 2);

FIG. 5 shows an example configuration of the inside of a cavity (thisFig. comprises a cross-sectional view of a package taken along line B-Bof FIG. 2);

FIG. 6 shows detail of a sloping surface on the inside of a cavity;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show perspective views of a package according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9 and 10 show views of displayers according to embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a package according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a package according to an embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a package according to an embodimentof the present invention.

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. The figures constitute a part of this specification and includeillustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative,and not restrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale,some features may be exaggerated to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, a package 1 for receiving therein a pair ofadjustable auxiliary eyeglasses (not shown) is seen. As described inmore detail below, this package 1 may be useful in matching a suitablepair of primary eyeglasses (see primary glasses 11 of FIG. 2) with asuitable pair of auxiliary eyeglasses. Package 1 may include aglasses-like-shaped cavity 2 formed on a cover portion 3 of the package1 as well as a glasses-like-shaped pattern 4 disposed within the cavity2.

In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the glasses-like-shaped pattern 4 may be a separateelement attached to the glasses-like-shape cavity 2 (as seen in FIG. 1).

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the glasses-like-shaped pattern 4 may be formed in theglasses-like-shape cavity 2, for example, by printing the glasses-likeshaped pattern 4 on the glasses-like-shaped cavity 2.

In any case, the glasses-like-shaped cavity 2 may comprise a firstlens-shaped portion 5 and a second lens-shaped portion 6. The side outerend of the first lens-shaped portion 5 defines an edge “A” (call-outnumber 7). The side outer end of the second lens-shaped portion 6defines an edge “B” (call-out number 8). The planar distance betweenedge “A” and edge “B” presents a reasonable maximum size for primaryeyeglasses which can be engaged with the adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses(not shown) disposed within package 1. Further, the glasses-like-shapedpattern 4 comprises a side edge “a” (call-out number 9) and a side edge“b” (call-out number 10) at its far outer ends. The planar distance ofedges “a” and “b” of the glasses-like-shaped pattern 4 indicates areasonable minimum size of the primary eyeglasses which can be engagedwith the adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses (not shown) disposed withinpackage 1. Thus, a suitable range for the primary eyeglasses is definedbetween the edges “a” (call-out number 9) and “A” (call-out number 7) aswell as “b” (call-out number 10) and “B” (call-out number 8).

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the glasses-like-shaped cavity 2, at the suitable rangefor the primary eyeglasses, may slope from edge “A” (call-out number 7)to edge “a” (call-out number 9) and edge “B” (call-out number 8) to edge“b” (call-out number 10). This slope is shown in FIG. 6 with referenceto edges “A” and “a” (the slope with reference to edges “B” and “b”,although not shown, may be similar).

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the glasses-like-shaped cavity 2 may be formed as shown inFIG. 3).

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the glasses-like-shaped cavity 2 may be formed as aconcave curve (see FIG. 5). This curve may generally correspond to thecurve of the primary eyeglasses 11 (shown in FIG. 2).

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), two slots 12 and 13 respectively located at the left andright side of the glasses-like-shaped cavity 2 may be provided forreceiving the temple portions 11 a and 11 b of the primary eyeglasses 11(as shown in FIG. 2).

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the package 1 may comprise a body portion 14. The bodyportion 14 and the cover portion 3 may be pivotally coupled together byhinge elements 15 a and 15 b coopering with holes 16 a and 16 b.

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), either or both the body portion 14 and the cover portion 3may be fully or partially transparent or translucent. Further, a backcard 17 may be disposed on the body portion 14 (to become a part of thepackage 1).

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a package 20 for receiving therein apair of auxiliary eyeglasses inside (not shown) may comprise a containerportion 21 and a back card portion 22. An easy-fitting-on mechanism(e.g., such as including glasses-like-shape cavity 2 andglasses-like-shaped pattern 4 discussed above) may be disposed adjacentthe back card portion 22 at the rear side of the container portion 21.In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the cover of the container portion 21 may be fully orpartially transparent or translucent.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, it is seen that a plurality ofeasy-fitting-on mechanisms (e.g., such as each includingglasses-like-shape cavity 2 and glasses-like-shaped pattern 4 discussedabove) may be disposed on a displayer 30 (e.g., for presentation to apurchaser). Of note, FIG. 8B shows detail “D” of the circled section ofFIG. 8A.

Referring now to FIG. 9, it is seen that a plurality of packages, eachof which may (or may not) include an easy-fitting-on mechanism (e.g.,such as including glasses-like-shape cavity 2 and glasses-like-shapedpattern 4 discussed above) may be disposed on a displayer 40 (e.g., forpresentation to a purchaser). In addition, it is seen that a pluralityof easy-fitting-on mechanisms (e.g., such as each includingglasses-like-shape cavity 2 and glasses-like-shaped pattern 4 discussedabove) may be disposed on the displayer 40.

Referring now to FIG. 10, it is seen that a plurality of packages, eachof which may (or may not) include an easy-fitting-on mechanism (e.g.,such as including glasses-like-shape cavity 2 and glasses-like-shapedpattern 4 discussed above) may be disposed on a displayer 50 (e.g., forpresentation to a purchaser). In addition, it is seen that a pluralityof easy-fitting-on mechanisms (e.g., such as each includingglasses-like-shape cavity 2 and glasses-like-shaped pattern 4 discussedabove) may be disposed on the displayer 50 (various size and/or shapeindicia may be provided).

Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of the present inventionprovides an easy-fitting-on mechanism 60 for matching a suitable pair ofprimary eyeglasses with a suitable pair of auxiliary eyeglasses. Thiseasy-fitting-on mechanism 60 may comprise a large glasses-like-shapedpattern 61 and a small glasses-like-shaped pattern 62, both of which maybe formed on a front portion 63 of a package 64 (wherein package 64 isconfigured for receiving a pair of adjustable auxiliary eyeglassestherein). The large glasses-like-shaped pattern 61 may comprise areasonable maximum size for a pair of primary eyeglasses which can beengaged with the adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses within the package 64.The small glasses-like-shaped pattern 62 may comprise a reasonableminimum size for a pair of primary eyeglasses which can be engaged withthe adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses within the package 64. Theeasy-fitting-on mechanism 60 may be disposed on a package configured forreceiving therein a pair of auxiliary eyeglasses (as shown) and/or maybe disposed on a displayer (as discussed elsewhere in this application).

Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of the present inventionprovides an easy-fitting-on mechanism 70 for matching a suitable pair ofprimary eyeglasses with a suitable pair of non-adjustable auxiliaryeyeglasses. As shown in this FIG. 12, the easy-fitting-on mechanism 70may comprise a fixed size of a glasses-like-shaped pattern 71 formed,for example, on the front portion 72 of a package 73 (wherein package 73is configured for receiving a pair of non-adjustable auxiliaryeyeglasses therein). The fixed size of glasses-like-shaped pattern 71may be a reasonable size for a pair of primary eyeglasses to be matedwith the pair of non-adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses within the package73. The easy-fitting-on mechanism 70 may be disposed on a packageconfigured for receiving therein a pair of non-adjustable auxiliaryeyeglasses (as shown) and/or may be disposed on a displayer (asdiscussed elsewhere in this application).

Referring now to FIG. 13, another embodiment of the present inventionprovides an easy-fitting-on mechanism 80 for matching a suitable pair ofprimary eyeglasses with a suitable pair of non-adjustable auxiliaryeyeglasses. As shown in this FIG. 13, the easy-fitting-on mechanism 80may comprise a glasses-like-shaped cavity 81 and two slots 82 and 83formed at the far side ends of the glasses-like-shaped cavity 81. Theeasy-fitting-on mechanism 80 may be disposed on a package configured forreceiving therein a pair of non-adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses (asshown) and/or may be disposed on a displayer (as discussed elsewhere inthis application).

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, thepackaging and/or the displayer may include any desired size and/or shapeindicators to aid in matching a suitable pair of primary eyeglasses witha suitable pair of auxiliary eyeglasses.

1. A packaging system, comprising: a container, wherein the container isconfigured to receive therein a pair of adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses;a cavity disposed on an outer surface of the container, wherein thecavity is sized to correspond to a pair of primary eyeglasses having amaximum size suitable for use with the pair of adjustable auxiliaryeyeglasses received within the container; and a pattern disposed withinthe cavity, wherein the pattern is sized to correspond to a pair ofprimary eyeglasses having a minimum size suitable for use with the pairof adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses received within the container.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the pattern is printed within the cavity. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the pattern comprises a label placedwithin the cavity.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the patterncomprises a separate part placed within the cavity.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the container comprises a body portion and a coverportion.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the cover portion is hingedlymounted to the body portion.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontainer comprises a back card.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein thecavity comprises first and second slots, each of which first and secondslots is configured to receive a respective temple portion of a pair ofprimary eyeglasses placed within the cavity.
 9. The system of claim 5,wherein the cavity is disposed on the cover portion.
 10. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the cavity is disposed on a back of the body portion.11. The system of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the cavity slopestoward the pattern.
 12. A displayer, comprising: a cavity disposed on anouter surface of the displayer, wherein the cavity is sized tocorrespond to a pair of primary eyeglasses having a maximum sizesuitable for use with a pair of adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses; and apattern disposed within the cavity, wherein the pattern is sized tocorrespond to a pair of primary eyeglasses having a minimum sizesuitable for use with the pair of adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses. 13.The displayer of claim 12, wherein the pattern is printed within thecavity.
 14. The displayer of claim 12, wherein the pattern comprises alabel placed within the cavity.
 15. The displayer of claim 12, whereinthe pattern comprises a separate part placed within the cavity.
 16. Thedisplayer of claim 12, wherein the cavity comprises first and secondslots, each of which first and second slots is configured to receive arespective temple portion of a pair of primary eyeglasses placed withinthe cavity.
 17. The displayer of claim 12, wherein an inner surface ofthe cavity slopes toward the pattern.
 18. The displayer of claim 12,comprising a plurality of cavities and a respective plurality ofpatterns.
 19. The displayer of claim 18, wherein at least two of theplurality of cavities are of different sizes.
 20. The displayer of claim18, wherein at least two of the plurality of patterns are of differentsizes.
 21. The displayer of claim 18, wherein at least two of theplurality of cavities are of different shapes.
 22. The displayer ofclaim 18, wherein at least two of the plurality of patterns are ofdifferent shapes.
 23. A packaging system, comprising: a container,wherein the container is configured to receive therein a pair ofadjustable auxiliary eyeglasses; a first pattern disposed on an outersurface of the container, wherein the first pattern is sized tocorrespond to a pair of primary eyeglasses having a maximum sizesuitable for use with the pair of adjustable auxiliary eyeglassesreceived within the container; and a second pattern disposed on theouter surface of the container, wherein the second pattern is sized tocorrespond to a pair of primary eyeglasses having a minimum sizesuitable for use with the pair of adjustable auxiliary eyeglassesreceived within the container.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein thecontainer comprises a body portion and a cover portion.
 25. The systemof claim 24, wherein the cover portion is hingedly mounted to the bodyportion.
 26. The system of claim 23, wherein the container comprises aback card.
 27. The system of claim 24, wherein at least one of the firstand second patterns is printed on the cover portion.
 28. The system ofclaim 24, wherein at least one of the first and second patternscomprises a label placed on the cover portion.
 29. The system of claim24, wherein at least one of the first and second patterns comprises aseparate part placed on the cover portion.
 30. The system of claim 24,wherein at least one of the first and second patterns is printed on aback of the body portion.
 31. The system of claim 24, wherein at leastone of the first and second patterns comprises a label placed on a backof the body portion.
 32. The system of claim 24, wherein at least one ofthe first and second patterns comprises a separate part placed on a backof the body portion.
 33. A displayer, comprising: a first patterndisposed on an outer surface of the displayer, wherein the first patternis sized to correspond to a pair of primary eyeglasses having a maximumsize suitable for use with a pair of adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses; asecond pattern disposed on the outer surface of the displayer, whereinthe second pattern is sized to correspond to a pair of primaryeyeglasses having a minimum size suitable for use with the pair ofadjustable auxiliary eyeglasses.
 34. The displayer of claim 33, whereinat least one of the first and second patterns is printed on thedisplayer.
 35. The displayer of claim 33, wherein at least one of thefirst and second patterns comprises a label placed on the displayer. 36.The displayer of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first and secondpatterns 15 comprises a separate part placed on the displayer.
 37. Apackaging system, comprising: a container, wherein the container isconfigured to receive therein a pair of non-adjustable auxiliaryeyeglasses; and a pattern disposed on an outer surface of the container,wherein the pattern is sized to correspond to a pair of primaryeyeglasses having a size suitable for use with the pair ofnon-adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses received within the container. 38.The system of claim 37, wherein the container comprises a body portionand a cover portion.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the coverportion is hingedly mounted to the body portion.
 40. The system of claim37, wherein the container comprises a back card.
 41. The system of claim38, wherein the pattern is printed on one of the cover portion and thebody portion.
 42. The system of claim 38, wherein the pattern comprisesa label placed on one of the cover portion and the body portion.
 43. Thesystem of claim 38, wherein the pattern comprise a separate part placedon one of the cover portion and the body portion.
 44. A displayer,comprising: a pattern disposed on an outer surface of the displayer,wherein the pattern is sized to correspond to a pair of primaryeyeglasses having a size suitable for use with a pair of non-adjustableauxiliary eyeglasses.
 45. The displayer of claim 44, wherein the patternis printed on the displayer.
 46. The displayer of claim 44, wherein thepattern comprises a label placed on the displayer.
 47. The displayer ofclaim 44, wherein the pattern comprises a separate part placed on thedisplayer.
 48. A packaging system, comprising: a container, wherein thecontainer is configured to receive therein a pair of non-adjustableauxiliary eyeglasses; and a cavity disposed on an outer surface of thecontainer, wherein the cavity is sized to correspond to a pair ofprimary eyeglasses having a size suitable for use with the pair ofnon-adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses received within the container. 49.The system of claim 48, wherein the container comprises a body portionand a cover portion.
 50. The system of claim 49, wherein the coverportion is hingedly mounted to the body portion.
 51. The system of claim48, wherein the container comprises a back card.
 52. The system of claim49, wherein the cavity is on one of the cover portion and the bodyportion.
 53. The system of claim 48, wherein the cavity comprises firstand second slots, each of which first and second slots is configured toreceive a respective temple portion of a pair of primary eyeglassesplaced within the cavity.
 54. A displayer, comprising: a cavity disposedon an outer surface of the displayer, wherein the cavity is sized tocorrespond to a pair of primary eyeglasses having a size suitable foruse with a pair of non-adjustable auxiliary eyeglasses.
 55. Thedisplayer of claim 54, wherein the cavity comprises first and secondslots, each of which first and second slots is configured to receive arespective temple portion of a pair of primary eyeglasses placed withinthe cavity.